Meghalaya CM effects cabinet reshuffle; 8 MLAs sworn in as ministers

Eight legislators took oath as ministers of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) coalition government on Tuesday replacing their respective party ministers in the major cabinet reshuffle effected by Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma as part of the deal to rotate his ministers after two-and-half years.
The National People’s Party (NPP)-led MDA-2 government that returned to power in 2023 Assembly elections has completed two and half years on September 6. Governor C. H. Vijayashankar administered the oath of office and secrecy to eight newly inducted ministers of the MDA government at the Raj Bhavan in the presence of the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Ministers – Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, opposition Voice of the People Party legislator Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, government officers and other dignitaries.
The eight ministers include four from the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), two from the United Democratic Party (UDP), and one each from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP). From the NPP, veteran legislator from Resubelpara constituency and former Deputy Chief Minister, Timothy D. Shira was inducted as minister for the second time after quitting as Deputy Speaker on September 8.
Shira was the Deputy Chief Minister during the UDP-NCP coalition government led by former CM, late Dr Donkupar Roy Dkhar from March 2008 to March 2009. Shira replaced his junior party colleague and Education minister, Rakkam A Sangma. Former minister during the Congress-led government and present NPP MLA from Dalu constituency, Brening A. Sangma also took oath as minister for the second time and he replaced senior NPP legislator and Power minister, Abu Taher Mondal.
Two-time NPP legislator from Jirang constituency, Sostheness Sohtun who took oath as minister for the first time, replaced Health and Family Welfare minister, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh who was recently acquitted by the Meghalaya High Court in the case related to alleged irregularities in the teacher’s recruitment.
Two-time NPP MLA from Jowai constituency, Wailadmiki Shylla who also took oath as minister for the first time replaced veteran NPP MLA and Food and Civil Supplies minister, Comingone Ymbon.
From the UDP, the second largest partner in the MDA government, Paul Lyngdoh who held the Tourism portfolio was replaced by former minister and former Assembly Speaker, Metbah Lyngdoh who was sworn-in as minister for the second time.
Similarly, UDP’s two-time MLA from Khliehriat constituency and former Excise minister, Kyrmen Shylla was replaced by three-time MLA from Amlarem constituency and former Home minister, Lahkmen Rymbui who also took oath as minister for the second time.
From the BJP, its six-time BJP MLA Alexander Laloo Hek , who was Animal Husbandry and Veterinary minister paved the way for four-time MLA from South Shillong constituency and former minister, Sanbor Shullai who was also sworn-in the for the second time as minister. The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) which has two MLAs, its first-time MLA and first-time minister in-charge Sports and Youth Affairs, Shakliar Warjri was replaced by another first-time MLA from Mawshynrut constituency, Methodius Dkhar who took his maiden oath as minister.
Interestingly, none from among the MLAs who had left their respective parties had defected to the ruling NPP, find their place in the cabinet this time despite anticipation that at least one of them will get the cabinet berth.